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Since the start of December, the Seahawks defense has opposing offenses in a choke hold

The road to Super Bowl 50 begins this weekend and it may seem like there is no clear-cut favorite to win it all. The quarterback for the Broncos finally returned, Cam Newton and the Panthers have played on another level for most of the season and the Kansas City Chiefs are winners of 10 straight games. However, there is no hotter team in the NFL right now than the Seattle Seahawks.

Getting to the Super Bowl is certainly not unfamiliar territory for the Seahawks and if it wasn’t for a questionable goal line call, they may be back to back defending champs. Three road games stand in the way for the Seahawks with the first stop in Minnesota. One month ago, the Vikings suffered a brutal loss at home to the Seahawks 38 – 7 and nothing much has changed since then. The Seattle defense has been stifling averaging just 11 points per game over the course of the last five weeks.

Also continuing to WOW fans for the fourth consecutive year is Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson. Wilson just became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 4,000 yards, run for 500 yards, and toss over 30 touchdowns passes. Wilson actually threw 25 of his 36 touchdown passes in the last eight games and finished 2015 with his best QBR of his young career at 74.9. Let’s not forget, Wilson did this without his new luxury toy, Jimmy Graham. Russell may not keep up his recent hot streak but he will get some extra help in the backfield for the postseason.

That’s right, Beastmode is back! Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed earlier in the week that Marshawn Lynch is back and is expected to play this weekend. Lynch, sidelined since week 11, is now in the latter stages of his recovery from sports hernia surgery. After receiving just 111 carries to start the season, Lynch should be fresh for the playoffs and ready to break off more Beastmode runs. Get your skittles ready.

While some teams are suffering from injuries (Panthers & Patriots), the Seahawks are getting healthy. While other contenders may have hit a wall (Cardinals & Packers), things are just starting to heat up for Seattle. Playing their best ball all season, the Seahawks are now three road games away from their third consecutive Super Bowl.

Denard Robinson should provide a big boost for fantasy owners during Week 15

Start – Denard Robinson: With rookie T.J. Yeldon sidelined, Robinson will be the feature back for the Jaguars on Sunday. Last season, when Robinson was the feature back and received double digit touches, he averaged 70 rush yards per game and scored four touchdowns. Robinson’s first crack at a lead back role will be against the porous Atlanta defense that is allowing the second most fantasy points per game to opposing runners. If you picked up Robinson off waivers this week, get him in your lineup ASAP.

Start – Matt Forte: Forte is in a full-blown timeshare, but still manages to put up viable numbers for his fantasy owners. This week, Forte draws a tough matchup heading on the road to take on the Vikings stingy defense. Last time Forte and the Vikings met, he accumulated just 53 total yards from scrimmage. However, don’t let the numbers discourage you. If you have Forte, there may not be a better option on your roster. Forte has also been Mr. Reliable for you when healthy. Roll the dice on the wily veteran and believe in him turning out good fortune for your team.

Sit – Javorious Allen: Unsurprisingly, Allen had a tough go against the Seahawks in Seattle. Well now he’s on the road again to face off against a revitalized Chiefs defense. Kansas City is the fifth best defense at limiting the run and first in receiving yards allowed to running backs. There are most certainly better options that Allen for week 15. If you want to keep your season alive, choose wisely and sit him.

Your team may have made it through the first round of playoffs but that doesn’t mean players can’t be added to help out. Target these players in Week 15 to either strengthen your team or keep them away from the competition.

Tim Hightower (Ownership: 41%)

After a four-year hiatus from the NFL, Tim Hightower was signed by the New Orleans Saints to handle the workload left by the newly injured reserved, Mark Ingram. There was speculation that Hightower would receive the majority of carries and CJ Spiller would serve in a complimentary role. However, no one knew Hightower would receive 28 carries, something Ingram hadn’t done since Week 9 of 2014. Hightower tallied only 85 yards on the ground, but he did manage to find the endzone. With another healthy dosage of touches and a Week 15 home tilt with the Detroit Lions, Hightower should be an RB1 candidate.

James White (Ownership: 50.0%)

This is definitely the last week White will be available in 50% (or less) of fantasy leagues. The first reason, White now has at least one touchdown in three of the past four weeks. The second reason, LeGarrette Blount exited week 14 early and is questionable heading into week 15. White is one of the few reliable receiving options left in New England and Brady fully trusts him in the backfield. The Titans, who just relinquished 82 total yards and a touchdown to Bilal Powell, will be welcomed into Foxborough Sunday. Pencil White in as an RB1.

Denard Robinson (Ownership: 3.6%)

The speedy Robinson rushed for 75 yards and a score on just 14 carries in week 14 against the Colts. Furthermore, rookie T.J. Yeldon suffered a knee sprain opening the door of opportunity for Robinson. The severity of the injury is unknown but expect Robinson to receive a healthy mix of touches until Yeldon is fully healed. The Jags host the Atlanta Falcons whom let up 85 yards and a score last week to the aforementioned, Tim Hightower.

Tyler Lockett (Ownership: 21.7%)

Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense is humming right now and you should get in on the buzz while you still can. Tyler Lockett is a receiver that can be added off waivers and immediately impact your team. Lockett recorded 104 yards and two scores against Baltimore and now has 4 scores and 280 yards over the past four weeks. Lockett is a candidate to add to that massive total as the woeful Browns walk in to CenturyLink Field. Lockett is locked in as a WR2/FLEX option for week 15.

Start – LeSean McCoy: LeSean McCoy makes his return to Philly to face off against the man who shipped him out of town and the fourth worst rush defense in the NFL. You can bet that Shady McCoy is ready for this game. McCoy continues to put up double-digit fantasy outings since the Bills Week 8 bye and is averaging 15 points during that time frame. Receiving a healthy dosage of touches as the focal point in the Bills backfield, McCoy is locked in as a RB1 for the first week of fantasy playoffs.

Start – T.J. Yeldon: Yeldon recorded his best fantasy statistical game during Week 13 rushing for 57 yards and a score while also securing all four of his targets for 79 yards. The odds are good that Yeldon will top that number heading into Week 14. The struggling Colts rank in the bottom 10 defenses in terms of stopping the run. The last two feature backs to face the Colts ran for 97 and 136 yards respectively. Finally, Yeldon ran for 105 yards on 22 carries against the Colts during Week 4. All signs point up for the workhorse rookie running back.

Start – Charcandrick West: During his first game back from a one-week injury, West only ran for 35 yards on 9 carries. To make matters worse, Spencer Ware is still in the mix and snagged a short touchdown for himself. Do not press the panic button yet. West will get it together in the fantasy playoffs starting with a tantalizing matchup with the porous San Diego Chargers defense. The Bolts have allowed the second most yards per carry to running backs this season. Deploy West in your lineups as a solid RB2.

SIT – Todd Gurley: I know. If you have Gurley, odds are you don’t have a better option and can’t sit him. Heck, Gurley is probably the reason why you’re in the fantasy playoffs in the first place. But if you do have a viable option over Gurley, then you should move the rookie to your bench, and here’s why. Gurley has regressed each week since his week 7 explosion against Cleveland. Teams are keying in on Gurley and stacking the box with at least 7 players every snap. Furthermore, the Detroit Lions are playing some inspiring defense as of late (except for a late game Hail Mary) and no tailback has recorded over 64 yards against the team since the week 9 bye. Gurley is still a RB2/Flex option but he may not be an RB1 until he can get a new quarterback.

Congrats to those who made the playoffs. However, every savvy fantasy player knows that the real season begins now. Just because you made it past Week 13, doesn’t mean your team can’t get help from the waiver wire. Target these players for depth or an added boost down the stretch.

DeVante Parker (Ownership: 21.1%)

If you didn’t take my advice about DeVante Parker last week, here it is again. After accumulating 71 percent of Tannehill’s passing yardage and a score against a porous Ravens secondary, Parker is now a key asset in this Miami offense. Parker now has 143 yards and two touchdowns in two weeks. He’ll look to keep the streak going against a struggling Giants defense that just let up 270 yards to Jets’ receivers.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Ownership: 15.2%)

After a nine game absence, ASJ finally returned to the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first action back, Seferian-Jenkins caught three balls for 31 yards and saw the second most targets on the team behind Mike Evans. Most importantly, the second-year tight end emerged from the game unscathed and now gets a favorable matchup against divisional foe, New Orleans. The Saints have the worst pass defense in the NFL and frankly can’t stop anyone. ASJ is a good play in week 14 for anyone who may be in need of tight end help.

Bilal Powell (Ownership: 13.0%)

Powell shined and scored his first touchdown of the season in a showdown to see which team is the best in New York. Powell is still getting limited touches but is a significant factor in the receiving game. Whenever the Jets decide to take to the air, Powell replaces Ivory as the primary runner in the backfield. Powell has immediate value in PPR leagues but is worthy of a roster spot in standard leagues as well.

James White (Ownership: 26.5%)

Rolling with a New England running back is always dangerous. However, White showed in week 13 why every fantasy owner should at least roll the dice on him. White rushed twice for only four yards but he also caught a career high 10 passes for 115 yards and a score. As the Patriots continue to scurry to find more receiving options for Brady, White is making a name for himself in the Dion Lewis role. White is certainly a boom or bust candidate but if you can stomach the risk, the reward just might lead you to a fantasy championship.

Start – Chris Ivory: Battle of New York, or should I say, Battle of mediocrity? Thirteen weeks into the season and both East Rutherford inhabitants are driving NY fanatics crazy while flirting with .500. Although the Giants (5 – 6) have won the last five games in this series, the Jets (6 – 5) are two point favorites. Ivory is also my favorite running back to make a difference in the game come Sunday. Ivory has quietly put together a top-5 fantasy running back campaign. Now he gets the Giants’ defense that is allowing over 100 rush yards per game. Put your money on Ivory as a RB1 this week.

Start – CJ Anderson: It only took Anderson 12 weeks but he finally looked like the first round fantasy draft pick that everyone projected he’d be. Last Sunday, Anderson carried the ball 15 times for 113 yards and two scores, including the game winning score to down the previously undefeated Pats. Head Coach Gary Kubiak already announced that Ronnie Hillman will remain the starter but against the Chargers, there should be some meat left on the bone for Anderson to feast. The Bolts are giving up 4.97 yards per carry, most in the league. Plug Anderson in as your flex and hope he rips off a long one for you.

Start – Matt Forte: It’s unfortunate that Forte returned from injury to a full timeshare within the backfield, but let’s not forget who the top dog is in Chicago. Forte will get first crack at the 49ers dreadful defense. The 49ers come in to Soldier Field with the second worst rush defense in the NFL. Forte is a solid RB2 even within a timeshare with the powerful Langford.

SIT – Frank Gore: The touches are there, the results are not. Gore is averaring 1.6 yards per a carry over the course of the last two weeks. Whatever the problem is with Gore, it won’t be resolved during Week 13. The Colts are traveling to play the number one run defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. The way you beat the Steelers is through the air and Matt Hasselbeck is still undefeated as a starter, so trust the ball will be with him. Gore’s schedule should get easier in the fantasy playoffs, but leave him on the bench for Week 13.

David Johnson can help fantasy owners carry the load into the playoffs

Last four games of the regular season: the home stretch for football franchises and fantasy players alike. With a slew of injuries hitting more players, stay on top of your waiver wire to make an impact in the final few matchups for your season.

David Johnson (Ownership 22.7%)

The Cardinals didn’t lose just one, but TWO running backs in a tough stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Starter Chris Johnson was diagnosed with a fractured tibia in his left leg and handcuff, Andre Ellington, is dealing with turf toe to the same foot that sidelined him last season. David Johnson has been used sparingly all season but was able to find the endzone twice over the past two weeks. Now with an uptick in usage, Johnson is definitely worthy of a roster spot in every league and at least flex consideration for the rest of the season.

DeVante Parker (Ownership 4.8%)

DeVante Parker had four catches for 49 yards entering week 12: on Sunday he caught another four balls for 80 yards and a score. The career day exemplified why Miami used a first round pick on the speedy receiver. The scary thing is, Parker is just getting started. Cracked ribs to fellow wideout, Rishard Matthews, opens the door to more playing time for Parker. The Dolphins defense is also in a slump, once again, and will more than likely be playing from behind just like in Sunday’s game against the Jets. Fortunately for the Fins, three of their final four matchups to close the season are against teams that rank in the bottom half of pass defense in terms of limiting receivers. Grab the rookie and watch Parker make a splash for you in the home stretch of the season.

Scott Chandler (Ownership 2.0%)

Gronkowski is the latest addition to the injury report for weapons in Tom Brady’s arsenal. Fortunately for the future Hall of Famer, the MRI revealed that his knee injury is just a bruise and nothing more. We all know that Tom Brady will be Tom Brady and will make use of the receivers at his disposal. That means it is Scott Chandler’s time to shine. Chandler didn’t manage a score against is former team in week 11 but does have two touchdowns in three games and is now the starting tight end in the Patriots offense. If your tight end isn’t performing up to par or just recently got injured (i.e. Jimmy Graham) you can do a whole lot worse than Scott Chandler in your lineup.

Alfred Morris (Ownership 47.1%)

Man what an up and down year it has been for Alfred Morris. After posting zero points and leaving the game against the Panthers due to injury, the four-year back returned to lead the Redskins back with 23 carries and 90 total yards from scrimmage. Yes, I know. Matt Jones is the younger more explosive back and the two both limit each other’s upside. However, whether you like it or not, something special is swirling around Washington and the team seems reenergized. The Redskins host divisional foe Dallas Cowboys in week 13 and we all know how that team is trending. Morris can very well receive a healthy dosage of touches in the game and be a major factor for week 13 folks looking to squeak into the playoffs.

START – Doug Martin: The Dougernaut gashed the Eagles defense for 235 yards on 27 carries this past Sunday. Martin would’ve reached the endzone twice if he wasn’t tackled from behind on his longest runs of 53 and 81 yards. Don’t expect the Colts to hold Martin from scoring this week. The Buccaneers are getting healthier and their weapons are back on the field. It’ll be difficult for the Colts’ weak defense to stop anyone in week 12.

Start – Javorious Allen: I told you to go pick him off waivers and hopefully you listened because in his first week as a starter, Allen gets the worst rushing defense in the league. The Cleveland Browns have allowed nearly 20 fantasy points to opposing tailbacks this season. With very limited weapons left in the Ravens arsenal, expect Allen to receive a heavy workload. Allen is firmly supplanted as a RB2 for week 12.

Start – Chris Johnson: Johnson began to teeter off after the week 9 bye week (averaging 61 yards and no scores in last two games). Expect CJ2K to get back on track against the lowly San Francisco 49ers. Rawls trampled the 49ers defense for 209 yards and two scores just the week before. It’s not hard to believe Johnson will be able to do a fraction of that damage and put together a viable fantasy performance.

SIT – Lamar Miller: Miller failed to reach double-digit carries for the second time in four games. Miller also failed to eclipse 44 yards for the fourth time in six games. Miller is trending slightly downward and a week 12 matchup against the stingy Jets run defense doesn’t help either. Back in week four, Miller had seven totes for 26 yards against the Jets. Miller will surely have more success than that, but temper your expectations heading into this one.

Barring injury, Buck Allen will be the primary workhorse for the Ravens offense

Another week, another batch of injuries. Week 11 saw a peculiar amount of injuries suffered by tailbacks. Justin Forsett, Charcandrick West, Frank Gore, and Devonta Freeman were the main victims this past week. Do yourself a favor and pick up these backups on waivers to prepare for the fantasy playoffs.

Buck Allen (Ownership 6.2%)

Condolences to the Baltimore Ravens franchise and the team’s fan base. As if an abysmal 2–7 record to start the season wasn’t enough, Justin Forsett and Joe Flacco were both lost in the game due to season-ending injuries. As the absolute only option to generate any offense for the Ravens, Javorious Allen should handle a huge workload going forward. In the absence of Forsett, Allen accumulated 67 rush yards and 48 receiving yards in week 11. Even more enticing, the Ravens face the Browns and the Dolphins in the upcoming weeks, two teams horrendous at stopping the run. Pick up Allen off waivers and ride his coattails into the promise land.

Spencer Ware, KC (Basically Unowned)

Just as Charcandrick West was starting to get on a roll and make a name for himself in the league, he suffers a hamstring injury. West is day-to-day but hamstring injuries can linger, just ask Odell Beckham Jr. Ware stepped in line for West on Sunday and didn’t miss a beat running for 96 yards and 2 TDs on just 11 carries. The Chiefs defense and run game have been absolutely red hot in the past five weeks and a speculative add of Ware couldn’t hurt. Keep in mind, Knile Davis was a healthy scratch for the week 11 bout but he may also return to create depth among the Chiefs backfield.

Ahmad Bradshaw (Ownership 4.0%)

You’ve seen this story before. Ahmad Bradshaw comes back from the fantasy fringes to become relatively unstoppable week after week. Bradshaw was the lead dog for Indy last year averaging 12 points a contest before going out to a season ending injury in week 10. The Colts brought in Frank Gore to take over the reigns in 2015 and he has done a formidable job. However, Gore is on the wrong side of 30 with a lot of mileage on his legs. Furthermore, Gore may have suffered a knee injury with the extent of the injury unknown. If Gore is sidelined, Bradshaw automatically jumps to a RB2 with RB1 upside. Bradshaw is already familiar and comfortable within the offense and will continue to gain more touches even with Gore in the mix.

Tevin Coleman (Ownership 26.1%)

When the number one fantasy running back goes down to injury, you pick up the handcuff off waivers. Freeman is apparently moving along rather quickly in the concussion protocol but don’t be surprised if the league is extra careful with him after the debacle that happened with Case Keenum. Coleman struggled in Freeman’s absence running for only 48 yards on 17 carries. However, the rookie was praised in the preseason for his speed and if given the opportunity, can be a great addition to a roster. Add Coleman to a bench spot now and wait to see what the rookie can do when his number is called upon once again.

Mike Evans has cracked at least 126 yards receiving in 3 of his last 4 games

Start – Mike Evans: Evans now mustered up 125 or more receiving yards in three of the last four contests. The benefactor in a depleted Bucs aerial attack, Evans figures to keep getting the lions share of Jameis Winston’s passes (averaging 14 targets over past four weeks). Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Vincent Jackson are getting healthier as the weeks roll by but particularly in week 11, Tampa Bay draws a prime matchup with Philly. The Eagles are two spots removed from being the worst secondary in the league when it comes to limiting receivers. Even if multiple weapons return for the Buccaneers, Evans will still feast on Sunday.

Start – Michael Crabtree: Crabtree grabbed four balls for 55 yards and no score in week 10 against Minnesota. Don’t be fooled, that stat line is just an outlier. Crabtree is averaging the most targets on the team and before week 11, had three straight weeks with a touchdown. Expect the Raiders offense to bounce back against a soft Detroit defense.

Start – Stevie Johnson: Stevie Johnson wields a different skill set but finds himself in the same predicament as Mike Evans: the last receiver standing of a wide receiver corps facing a porous defense. Philip Rivers is having statistically one of the best seasons of his career and he is still managing to put up numbers with a lack of talent. With Allen on IR and Floyd questionable to play, Johnson is left to compete for targets with only Antonio Gates. Facing divisional foe, Kansas City, there will be enough love to spread around for every receiver to be happy.

Sit – DeSean Jackson: Fantasy investors waited eight long weeks for Jackson to finally get healthy. As the focal point in the pass-first Washington offense, one would expect Jackson to boom right from the gates. However, Jackson faltered against a mediocre Patriots secondary and managed only 44 yards on two catches against the despicable Saints defense. Jackson is always a candidate to boom when least expected. However, expectations should be tempered in week 11 when Washington travels to Carolina to face Josh Norman and the Panthers formidable defense.

Sit – Randall Cobb: I know what you’re thinking. Cobb is the No.1 receiver on an Aaron Rodgers led offense and there’s no possible better option. However, if you look at the big picture, Cobb just hasn’t been himself this year. Cobb now has six games with six or less receptions and under 50 yards. Blame it on the shoulder injury or the absence of Jordy Nelson, but Cobb just can’t thrive as a top dog. The Packers offense is struggling as a whole and now they hit the road to face a stingy Vikings team that rightfully sits atop the division. Aaron Rodgers may pull off some magic and turn the offense around, or the woeful times may continue for the Packers and you Cobb owners.

Sit Kamar Aiken: Another scenario of the last man standing, but this time, the outcome is not what you’d expect. Aiken will receive a healthy dose of targets but will also produce a troublesome amount of drops. Baltimore will be facing the St. Louis Rams whose pass defense allows the second fewest fantasy points to receivers per game. It could be a long afternoon for Aiken and the Baltimore offense.